ISLAMABAD: At least 10 terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based military operation in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, the army said in a statement.

The Army Public Relations Department, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said that the security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation on Tuesday in Hashab district of the province.

The administration's statement stated that "while the security forces were in the process of establishing isolation sites after locating a number ranging between 12 and 14 terrorists, the terrorists opened fire on the security forces," adding that during the heavy exchange of fire that followed, 10 terrorists were killed, while another was arrested, who is injured.

Two terrorists managed to escape, and the search for them continues in the area, the administration said.

It added that the dead terrorists were involved in shooting incidents targeting security forces and civilians alike, as well as planting explosive devices.

A large number of weapons and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices, were confiscated from terrorist hideouts.

The Pakistani army said that the security forces are determined to thwart attempts to sabotage peace, stability and development in Balochistan.